How to Start a Nonprofit in Missouri

Creating a Successful Missouri Nonprofit

Learn How to Complete Missouri’s 501(c)(3) Application!

Throughout the United States, nonprofit organizations are improving people’s lives and enhancing their communities. Missouri’s nonprofits are responsible for assisting individuals and improving opportunities in all counties in the “Show Me State.”

 From the urban areas of Kansas City and St. Louis to the home of state government in Jefferson City, Missouri’s rolling hills and river bluffs may be an excellent place to launch your nonprofit entrepreneurship ideas! So, if you’ve been wondering how to start a nonprofit organization in Missouri, you’ve come to the right place! BryteBridge Nonprofit Solutions can help you with everything from planning, applications, maintaining compliance, and growing your charitable organization!

Ready to Start Your Missouri 501(c)(3) Application?

Missouri nonprofits deliver a wide variety of programs and services throughout the state. As part of Missouri’s process for nonprofit organization, nonprofits are required to assist government agencies, environmental causes, social and healthcare services, education or cultural programs, services for veterans, the disabled or elderly, and many more. Throughout Missouri, roughly 33,000 nonprofit organizations employ 231,000 individuals. That number translates to 11 percent of the state’s workforce! Join a network of Missouri’s most passionate entrepreneurs for social change.

How to Start Your Missouri Nonprofit Registration

If you think Missouri is the perfect place to launch your 501(c)(3) nonprofit startup, then review the links and resources below. They will provide you with everything you’ll need to start your Missouri nonprofit registration packet.

Incorporation

Form

Articles of Incorporation

Business Entity Search

Fee

$30.00

Average Processing Time

15-20 Business Days

Electronic Filing?

No

Charity Registration

State Requirement?

Yes

Charity Registration Search

Fee

$25.00

Renewal Requirement?

Yes

990 EZ Requirement?

No

Annual Report

State Requirement?

Yes

Due:

Within 90 days of incorporating with the state; (then) Biennially (Every 2 years)

Fee:

$20

Other Exemptions

State Income Tax

Must file – no fee for 3500a

Sales Tax Exemption

Not exempt

Tax Returns

BryteBridge can help you complete Missouri’s 501(c)(3) application, which is needed for starting a nonprofit. But the work doesn’t stop there! To maintain your Missouri nonprofit registration, you’ll need to submit annual tax returns.

All organizations (except those classified as churches) must file an annual 990 form (990N, 990EZ, 990, or 990PF) to be exempt from Income Tax.

The 990 return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the organization’s fiscal year. Failure to file for three consecutive years could cause your organization to lose its tax-exempt status.

Learn How to Start a nonprofit Organization in Missouri with BryteBridge

Before starting your nonprofit organization in MO, you’ll need to draft articles of incorporation. When incorporating, there are three types of nonprofit corporations to choose from. First, you’ll need to select the option that best matches your organization’s mission and goals.

  • Religious corporation
  • Tax-exempt nonstock corporation
  • Nonstock corporation

A religious corporation can only be used for religious organizations that wish to file for tax-exempt status.

A nonstock corporation, an option available in other states such as Virginia, is a business that cannot offer stocks or shares or provide dividends to the founder, board members, or donors.

This is Missouri’s nonprofit registration of choice for a solo entrepreneur or group of people who want to work for the common good who will not be filing for tax-exempt status.

If you want your organization to be tax-exempt and it’s not a religious corporation, the

tax-exempt nonstock corporations are the best choice. This designation is similar to the regular nonstock corporation option, except that it allows you to operate as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3).

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Start a nonprofit Organization in Missouri

If you’ve explored the opportunities for charitable organizations in other states, you’ve likely

noticed that the cost of a Missouri nonprofit registration is less expensive than in other places. Missouri charges a $25 filing fee for nonprofit Articles of Incorporation for a 501(c)(3), 501c4, and 501c6 application. Please note that additional fees may apply depending on your organization’s structure.

As you read through the various regulations and costs, you may realize that starting your nonprofit organization in Missouri can be a little overwhelming! If you’re feeling that way, don’t worry! This is where BryteBridge Nonprofit can help. 

Our nonprofit experts have helped over 30,000 people start and grow their organizations. We offer affordable pricing and convenient payment options, but the best thing about working with BryteBridge is that we don’t just tell you what to do; we help you reach the finish line whether you’re looking to start a new nonprofit in Missouri or want to expand a nonprofit that is currently based in another state, schedule a consultation and get ready to start your 501(c)(3) application for Missouri!

All nonprofit organizations within the state must submit a completed Missouri’s 501(c)(3) application. Specific requirements may vary, but a Missouri nonprofit must typically disclose contact details, the names of all Board members, and information about the entity responsible for the registration. In addition, state compliance regulations may require a Missouri nonprofit to provide employment information and annual reports.

Missouri’s nonprofits and entrepreneurial startups serve a diverse cross-section of

community needs. We promise it won’t take long for you to find opportunities in government, health care, training and education, veterans’ services, arts and culture, wellbeing for the elderly, animal welfare, and many more. Currently, the State of Missouri lists over 33,000 nonprofit organizations that employ nearly 231,000 individuals! As a result, you’re sure to find a robust network of professionals working to advance the common good.

Missouri can be an ideal state to create your 501(c)(3) nonprofit startup! The community change that Missouri’s nonprofits have brought about is substantial. If you’re looking to harness your entrepreneurial ideas to improve the world, start exploring our nonprofit Education Center to understand what you’ll need to succeed. Take some time to read our testimonials to see how nonprofit entrepreneurs can thrive. Then, contact us when you’re ready to move forward with your Missouri nonprofit registration or have questions about the 501(c)(3) application process. If you’re an entrepreneur who cares about meaningful social change, the nonprofit consultants at BryteBridge can help!

Launch Your Nonprofit Today with BryteBridge Nonprofit Solutions

If learning how to start a nonprofit in Missouri is a long-held dream, we can help make it a reality! When you work with BryteBridge nonprofit Solutions, we can guide you through all the federal and state registration procedures. Thanks to our decades of experience with regulatory guidelines, you’ll soon have all the skills and tools you need to maintain compliance and bring significant change to the communities you care about. Learn more about us and our nonprofit startup solutions. When you’re ready, give us a call to discover how we can help you start your nonprofit in Missouri. We look forward to hearing from you!